Abstract

MESA-PEREZ, María Aurora et al. Edaphic macrofauna, indicator of contamination by heavy metals in livestock production soils of Mayabeque, Cuba. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2016, vol.39, n.3, pp.116-124. ISSN 0864-0394.

A study was conducted in order to evaluate the performance of the edaphic macrofauna in livestock production soils of the Mayabeque province, Cuba, with different degrees of contamination by heavy metals. In 2012 three plots were sampled dedicated to the cultivation of pasture (Cyperus gigantus L. and Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.), with a concentration gradient of Zn lower than the intervention limit and of available Pb up to 3,5 times higher than the intervention limit; and a non-contaminated plot as control. The rainy season and the 0-10 cm depth were the most favorable for sampling in pastureland ecosystems; and the variations in taxonomic richness, total organisms, relative abundance of each taxon, population density and functional trophic groups for the contaminated ecosystems, were determined through a Union Jack sampling. The taxonomic richness and total organisms significantly decreased wen increasing the concentration of bioavailable Pb and Zn, according to the order Pastureland > Plot 2 > Plot 1 > Ceramic. All the evaluated taxa showed decreases in the relative abundance, and the density of their populations significantly decreased with the increase of the metal concentration, in the order Pastureland > Plot 1 > Plot 2 = Ceramic. The prevailing trophic groups were the predators, and the presence of decomposers diminished. The relative sampling of populations of the Diplopoda class, phytophagous insects of the Coleoptera and Hymenoptera orders and earthworms (Oligochaeta) can be sufficient to indicate the ecological status of the soils.

Keywords : Cynodon dactylon L. Pers; Cyperus gigantus L.; soil organisms; lead; zinc.

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